Mary Sager

Mary Katherine Sager, 105, of Whiteclay, Nebraska, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on Friday afternoon, August 4, 2023, at the home of her daughter, Maryellen New, of Chadron, Nebraska. Memorial services will be held Friday morning, August 11, 2023, at 10 AM at the Extension Community Chapel, south of Whiteclay, Nebraska.

Mary Katherine (Masek) Sager was born November 25, 1917, to Joseph and Josie (Vodicka) Masek.  Mary had six siblings, Charles, James, Joseph, Arthur, Alice (Masek) Howell, and Mildred (Masek) Dawkins. Mary and her siblings attended school at Craven Creek District #79 SW of Whiteclay.  However, due to economic necessity, Mary only finished the eighth grade when she had to go to work. She found employment at a restaurant in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, later taking a job at the Lone Man Day School NW of Pine Ridge.  Her main responsibility at the school was baking bread every day for all the children that lived and attended school there.

On October 25, 1935, she was united in marriage to Harry E. Sager.  They lived near and farmed with Harry’s parents until they were able to purchase their own land west of Whiteclay, Nebraska. They lived on that property the rest of their lives, farming and raising their family.  The Lord blessed them with six girls and one boy. Joyce (Willard) Wellnitz, Margaret (Richard) Marshall, Alice (Gerald) Denton, Elaine (Daniel) Graeff, Maryellen (Robert) New, Margie (John) Wrede, and Harry J (Robin) Sager. All their children still live in the area except Elaine in Iowa, and Margie in Rapid City.

Mary had a deep faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, and taught her children to know and love Him too!  She loved to garden (both vegetables and flowers), sew and crochet, and to hunt, fish and travel with Harry and family. Her greatest gift, however, was hospitality. She was always ready to serve anyone who may be at her house, one of her delicious meals.

Through the years she served in many capacities at the Extension Community Chapel where she was a lifetime member.  Also, in the past she belonged to the local Flower and Garden Club and the Sheridan County Extension Club.

She is survived by all seven of her children; one sister, Mildred Dawkins; 23 grandchildren, 64 great grandchildren, 51 great-great grandchildren, and 3 great-great-greats!!!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry E.; her parents, Joseph and Josie Masek; in-laws, Harry and Lena (Graber) Sager; all her brothers Charles, James, Joseph, Arthur, and her sister Alice and all their spouses, also one brother-law, William Dawkins. Three sons-in-law, Willard Wellnitz, Richard Marshall, and Robert New. One grandchild, Connie (Denton)Tyler, and two great grandchildren.

The family praises the Lord for the tremendous influence God allowed Mary to have in their lives and many others.